On July 5th, World Waternet, in cooperation with Dutch Water Authorities (DWA) and Netherlands Water Partnership (NWP), organised an event to discuss these questions and the possibilities for the Blue Deal program. The Blue Deal is a new program launched by the Netherlands water authorities and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management. The aim of this program is to support 20 million people in 40 catchment areas worldwide with clean, sufficient and safe water.
The afternoon had an interactive nature and attracted participants of various backgrounds, such as public water authorities, NGOs, engineering- and consultancy firms. First, Steven van Rossum, CEO of World Waternet kicked off the event with a welcoming speech, followed by moderator Koen Maathuis (Regional Manager of West Africa at World Waternet) who facilitated a round of introductions among the participants. Marina Gaton (Project Manager at World Waternet) presented the current situation of wastewater management in Mali with our local partner ANGESEM. She explained that many of the wastewater installations are in poor condition and function sub-optimally. Although the employees of ANGESEM are enthusiastic people who are keen to expand their knowledge. However, it remains a challenge to achieve financial autonomy and further improve the organisational structure. Challenges that might be overcome with the Blue Deal!
Paula Dobbelaar, Senior Policy Advisor at the Malian Ministry of Water and Energy in Bamako presented the institutional context of governmental organisations involved in Malian water management and the main challenges it faces. Moreover, she was able to provide a valuable contribution to the discussion due to her local perspective and insight into ongoing initiatives. After which, the group split into three smaller groups, discussing three project initiatives further; 1) Faso Koom (with all Burkinabe water authorities), 2) Mali Wastewater and Sanitation (in cooperation with the WaterWorX program) and 3) Strengthening the Volta Basin Authority. By the first of November, these three initiatives will have to be developed into concept proposals for the Blue Deal. The implementation of projects under the Blue Deal is foreseen to start in March 2019.
The groups discussed the initiatives at length and brought in valuable input in terms of ongoing projects and new initiatives in the sector, cultural aspects, funding and finding synergy between entrepreneurs and governments. Ideas were also shared about how different Dutch initiatives in Mali and Burkina Faso can be connected. At the end, participants took the opportunity to further discuss potential cooperation during the closing networking drinks.
Moreover, Koen Maathuis (Regional Manager of West Africa) of World Waternet and Paula Dobbelaar (Senior Policy Advisor) at the Malian Ministry of Water and Energy explained about the possibilities of the Blue Deal in West Africa through the Vlog for Development of Vlogger Cheryl van Kampen (in Dutch).
